New Voices for Harry, Ron & Hermione Emerge

Audible's "Harry Potter" audiobooks are evolving with the series, casting new actors to voice Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger starting with "The Goblet of Fire." Jaxon Knopf, 16, Rhys Mulligan, 18, and Nina Barker-Francis, who has prior roles in "House of the Dragon," have taken on these pivotal roles. They will narrate from the fourth book through "The Deathly Hallows."

Each actor brings a unique perspective and personal connection to the "Harry Potter" universe. Knopf, who voices Harry, found his natural voice similar to the previous actor, focusing on expressiveness. Mulligan aimed to capture Ron's West Country accent and immaturity, while Barker-Francis sought to convey Hermione's sharp intellect and urgency. They worked to ensure a smooth transition for listeners from the previous actors.

Recording over 160 hours for some roles, the actors encountered challenges with complex pronunciations and lengthy dialogues. They utilized vocal coaches and internal "Harry Potter" vocabulary guides to master difficult words like "Gregorovitch" and "basilisk." The production team ensured passion and precision, making even the smallest monologues impactful.

Favorite scenes included portraying darker character moments, like an "evil Hermione" or Harry morphing into other characters with various accents. Mulligan particularly enjoyed voicing Ron's immaturity and observing the character's growth throughout the series, highlighting the emotional depth and dedication involved in the project.